Mazda CX-5 Pricing: Your Complete 2024 Buyer's Guide

Thinking about a Mazda CX-5? You’ve landed in the right place. This popular SUV is known for its stylish design, engaging driving experience, and premium interior that feels a step above its price tag. This guide will break down the full cost of the 2024 Mazda CX-5, from trim levels to the hidden costs you need to know.

2024 Mazda CX-5 Pricing at a Glance

The most direct answer to “how much does it cost?” depends entirely on the trim level you choose. For 2024, Mazda offers eight distinct options, all of which now come standard with i-Activ All-Wheel Drive (AWD). This is a significant value-add that you often have to pay extra for with competitors.

Here is a list of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 trim levels and their starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP).

  • 2.5 S Select: Starting at $29,300
  • 2.5 S Preferred: Starting at $30,650
  • 2.5 S Carbon Edition: Starting at $31,950
  • 2.5 S Premium: Starting at $33,800
  • 2.5 S Premium Plus: Starting at $36,500
  • 2.5 Carbon Turbo: Starting at $37,000
  • 2.5 Turbo Premium: Starting at $37,800
  • 2.5 Turbo Signature: Starting at $40,600

Important Note: These prices are the starting MSRP and do not include the mandatory destination and handling fee (which is typically around $1,375), taxes, title, license fees, or any dealer-installed options or market adjustments.

A Detailed Look at Each Trim Level's Options

What do you get for your money as you move up the trim ladder? The CX-5’s value comes from the generous features included at each level.

2.5 S Select

The Select is the entry point, but it’s far from a basic model. It’s an excellent value, offering features that are often optional on competitors’ base models.

  • Key Features: Standard AWD, 10.25-inch center display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, leatherette seats with suede inserts, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a full suite of safety features called i-Activsense (including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring).

2.5 S Preferred

For a modest price increase, the Preferred trim adds several desirable convenience and luxury features.

  • Key Upgrades: Adds a power sliding-glass moonroof, a power rear liftgate, and leather-trimmed seats with driver’s seat memory.

2.5 S Carbon Edition

This popular trim is all about style. It builds on the Preferred trim with unique aesthetic touches for a sportier, more modern look.

  • Key Upgrades: Exclusive Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, black 19-inch alloy wheels, gloss black exterior accents, and a choice of black or red leather interior.

2.5 S Premium

The Premium trim focuses on enhancing the audio and driving experience.

  • Key Upgrades: A 10-speaker Bose premium audio system, paddle shifters for a more engaging drive, and Mazda’s Mi-Drive with Sport and Off-Road modes.

2.5 S Premium Plus

This trim adds features that bring the CX-5 into near-luxury territory, focusing on comfort and technology.

  • Key Upgrades: Ventilated (cooled) front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a windshield wiper de-icer, and a helpful head-up display that projects key information onto the windshield.

The Turbo Trims: More Power and Luxury

Starting with the Carbon Turbo, the CX-5 gets a significant performance boost from a turbocharged engine. This engine produces up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel, making the CX-5 feel much quicker and more responsive.

  • 2.5 Carbon Turbo: Combines the powerful engine with unique styling. It features a special Zircon Sand Metallic or Rhodium White Metallic exterior color and terracotta-colored leather seats.
  • 2.5 Turbo Premium: This trim is similar to the S Premium Plus but includes the more powerful turbocharged engine.
  • 2.5 Turbo Signature: This is the top-of-the-line model. It has every feature from the lower trims and adds exclusive luxury touches like Nappa leather upholstery, genuine wood trim, a 360-degree view monitor, and navigation.

Key Insights Worth Knowing Before You Buy

The sticker price is just the beginning. To understand the true cost and value of a Mazda CX-5, consider these essential factors.

Understanding the “Out-the-Door” Price

The final price you pay will be higher than the MSRP. Always budget for these additional costs:

  • Destination Fee: As mentioned, this non-negotiable fee for shipping the car from the factory is around $1,375 for the CX-5.
  • Taxes and Fees: State and local sales tax, plus title and registration fees, can add several thousand dollars to the final price.
  • Dealer Doc Fee: This is a fee dealers charge for paperwork. It varies by state and dealer but can range from under $100 to over $800.
  • Premium Paint: Mazda’s signature Soul Red Crystal Metallic and Machine Gray Metallic paints are beautiful but add an extra charge, typically $595.

Long-Term Ownership Costs

A car’s value is also determined by how much it costs to own over time.

  • Fuel Economy: The standard engine gets an EPA-estimated 26 MPG combined (24 city/30 highway). The more powerful turbo engine is slightly less efficient, at 24 MPG combined (22 city/27 highway).
  • Insurance: The CX-5 consistently earns top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, which can help keep insurance premiums reasonable compared to other vehicles in its class.
  • Reliability: Mazda has built a strong reputation for reliability. Sources like Consumer Reports often rank the CX-5 highly for predicted reliability, meaning you can expect fewer unexpected repair bills over the life of the vehicle.

Is the Turbo Engine Worth It?

The standard 187-horsepower engine is perfectly adequate for daily driving and commuting. However, if you value strong acceleration and a more thrilling driving experience, the turbocharged engine is a significant upgrade that many driving enthusiasts feel is worth the extra cost. It transforms the CX-5 from a competent crossover into a genuinely fun-to-drive SUV.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular Mazda CX-5 trim? The 2.5 S Carbon Edition is often highlighted as a sweet spot in the lineup. It offers a unique and sporty appearance combined with the desirable features from the Preferred trim at a very competitive price point.

Does the Mazda CX-5 have good resale value? Yes, the Mazda CX-5 generally holds its value well, often performing better than average in the compact SUV segment. Its reputation for reliability, standard AWD, and premium feel contribute to strong demand on the used market.

How does the CX-5 compare to the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4? While the CR-V may offer more cargo space and the RAV4 has more off-road-oriented options, the CX-5’s main advantages are its upscale interior design, superior driving dynamics, and standard all-wheel drive. If you want an SUV that feels more expensive than it is and is enjoyable to drive, the CX-5 is a top contender.